Local & Global Structure

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Make-A-Wish® America

Make-A-Wish is one united family. But it’s also a collection of independently chartered nonprofit organizations that stand committed to a shared vision and mission.

The Make-A-Wish national office is based in Phoenix, where the organization was established in 1980. It establishes guidelines for wish-granting standards, raises funds at a national level, provides legal support, develops strategies to advance awareness and establishes the overall direction for the organization.

Chapters throughout the United States serve every community across the nation and its territories. Each has its own board of directors, staff and volunteers. Chapters are the force bringing the Make-A-Wish mission to life. For most wishes, it is local staff members and volunteers who meet wish kids and their families, are told of the child’s one true wish, and devote their energy to make each wish come true.

The Make-A-Wish mission is too inspiring for just one country. Today, Make-A-Wish International, also based in Phoenix, is the hub for wish-granting activities in nearly 50 countries, outside of the United States, on five continents and counting. Affiliates in each country bring the mission to life in communities around the globe.

Make-A-Wish International

After the inception of Make-A-Wish America, interest in granting the wishes of children with critical illnesses quickly spread to other nations.

In 1993, Make-A-Wish International was officially formed to serve the five countries outside the United States that were already granting wishes. Today, Make-A-Wish International has 39 affiliates, serving children in nearly 50 countries on five continents.

Make-A-Wish International has the same mission as Make-A-Wish America — to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses.

Make-A-Wish America grants the wishes of children in the United States and all of its territories and possessions, while Make-A-Wish International serves children outside the United States and its territories and possessions.

With the help of generous donors and more than 45,000 volunteers worldwide, Make-A-Wish has collectively granted nearly 480,000 wishes worldwide, making it the world’s largest wish-granting organization. For more information about Make-A-Wish International, please visit worldwish.org.